Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Anambra State Police Command has identified a 28-year-old man, Ifesinachi Ezeolu, as a key suspect linked to violent conduct that marred a recent masquerade outing in Awgbu community, Orumba North Local Government Area of the state. The disclosure follows widespread public concern over reports of assaults, intimidation, and disorder allegedly carried out during the cultural event, which drew condemnation from residents and civil society observers.
According to the police, the incident occurred during a masquerade display that was expected to reflect cultural heritage and communal celebration but instead descended into chaos, leaving residents fearful and prompting calls for intervention by security authorities. Eyewitness accounts indicated that some participants engaged in aggressive behaviour, reportedly attacking and harassing members of the public under the guise of traditional rites, thereby disrupting peace in the community.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command emphasised that while the Nigeria Police Force respects and recognises the cultural and traditional practices of communities across the state, such practices must not be exploited to violate the rights and safety of citizens. The police stressed that cultural expression does not confer immunity from the law and that any activity capable of causing harm, fear, or public disorder would be firmly addressed.
The identification of Ezeolu as a suspect marks a significant step in ongoing investigations aimed at restoring calm and accountability. Police sources said the suspect was allegedly involved in acts of violence displayed during the masquerade outing, actions that reportedly went beyond accepted cultural norms and resulted in physical and psychological distress for residents. While details of his alleged role were not fully disclosed, the Command confirmed that investigations are continuing to establish the full scope of events and identify other individuals who may have been involved.
Residents of Awgbu community have described the incident as deeply unsettling. Some said they were forced indoors as masquerade participants moved through streets wielding sticks and other objects, while others reported being chased, threatened, or assaulted. Parents expressed concern for the safety of children and elderly persons, noting that what should have been a moment of cultural pride instead became a source of fear and trauma.
The Anambra State Police Command reiterated that masquerade activities, like all public gatherings, are subject to the provisions of the law. The Command noted that organisers and participants have a responsibility to ensure that such events are conducted peacefully and without infringing on the rights of others. Any deviation, the police warned, would attract appropriate legal consequences, regardless of cultural or traditional claims.
Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, underscored the Command’s determination to strike a balance between preserving cultural heritage and safeguarding public order. He reassured residents that the police would not allow cultural activities to be used as a shield for criminal behaviour, adding that the safety and dignity of citizens remain paramount.
The incident has reignited a broader debate across Anambra State and beyond about the regulation of masquerade activities. While masquerades occupy an important place in Igbo culture, symbolising ancestral presence, moral authority, and communal identity, concerns have persisted over abuses by individuals who exploit the anonymity and mystique associated with such displays. In recent years, there have been periodic reports of violence, extortion, and intimidation linked to masquerade outings in parts of the South-East, prompting calls for clearer guidelines and stronger enforcement.
Community leaders in Awgbu have welcomed the police intervention, describing it as timely and necessary. Some traditional rulers and elders have acknowledged that while masquerades are integral to cultural expression, there is a collective responsibility to ensure they do not become instruments of fear. They have pledged to work with security agencies to educate youths and enforce internal community rules governing cultural events.
Human rights advocates have also weighed in, urging authorities to ensure that investigations are thorough and transparent. They stressed that accountability in cases involving cultural activities is essential to prevent future abuses and rebuild public trust. According to them, respecting culture and protecting human rights are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary obligations of a modern society governed by law.
The police confirmed that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other suspects linked to the Awgbu incident. Officials said intelligence gathering and community engagement are being intensified to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice. They added that residents are encouraged to provide credible information that could assist the investigation, assuring that such cooperation would be treated with confidentiality.
Beyond the immediate case, the Anambra State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to proactive engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders. The aim, according to the Command, is to promote peaceful cultural expressions that enrich community life while preventing excesses that could threaten security or infringe on individual rights.
As calm gradually returns to Awgbu, residents remain watchful, hopeful that decisive action by authorities will deter similar incidents in the future. Many believe that firm enforcement of the law, combined with community-led regulation of cultural practices, is essential to preserving tradition without compromising safety.
The police have assured the public that updates will be provided as investigations progress. For now, the Command says its message is clear: cultural heritage is to be celebrated, not abused, and no individual or group will be allowed to hide behind tradition to perpetrate violence or disorder in Anambra State.
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